There is strength in numbers

International collaborations and experiences are key to the success of PCP PIRE. Members of several institutions in Latin America, the US and Europe shared research updates and experiences in Panama at the second All Hands meeting held November 1 – 2 in Gainesville.

Researchers from a wide array of institutions including the University of Florida, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (Panama), Universidad de los Andes (Colombia), Universidad de Caldas (Colombia), University of Gothenburg (Sweden) and Florida Institute of Technology presented talks and posters.

Graduate students Jorge Pino, Catalina Pimiento and Carson Phillips presented their projects interacting with Panamanian organizations. Such collaborations vary from a traveling exhibit featuring wild cats of Panama funded by SENACYT, a unique course in Paleontology for Biology undergrads at University of Panama and a two way partnership with local institutions SOMASPA, CATHALAC and INDICASAT.

In addition to these joint initiatives, Panama is also hosting a number of PCP PIRE volunteers, teachers and interns. Members in Panama have increased the number of people looking for fossils in the field and strengthened education and outreach activities. Jason Carr, Jill Holliday, Daniel Johnston, Cheryl McLaughlin, Stacey Falls, Nicolas Perez and Elena Stiles presented talks on their international experiences.

Collaboration is critical in science and this is certainly true in PCP PIRE. The variety of organizations involved in the project help to accomplish its goals while providing it with unique nuances that make PCP PIRE a suitable opportunity for students and faculty to develop partnerships with other institutions and take advantage of international experiences.